The pair arranged to meet and have sex with the girl, after contacting her via Social Media in 2015.

The social media site has failed to been named.

The victim’s mother alerted police after she had concerns her daughter may have been groomed by the men, when she saw sexualised messaages on her daughter's phone.

The rapes happened in January and February 2017 in the Watford area.

The investigation was carried out by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Halo unit, which specialises in tackling child sexual exploitation.

Patrick Brooks, 22, and Tommy Connors, 21, were convicted at St Albans Crown Court on 5 April following a trial.

Patrick Brooks (22) of no fixed abode, sentenced to seven years in Jail for rape of child

Tommy Connors (21) of no fixed abode, received an Eight years sentence in Jail for rape of child

Both men came travelling in from outside Hertfordshire.

Jeremy Taylor, a Senior Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern CPS said: “Brooks and Connors denied these offences. But alongside the police investigation, we were able to build a successful case thanks to the victim giving evidence in court alongside material from the social media accounts of all parties. Cell site data from the mobile phones of the two men also confirmed detail given by the victim where the offences took place.”

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Alexandra Bruzas said: “The 12-year-old girl was young and vulnerable. Connors and Brooks took advantage of this in order to exploit her. This can only be described as premeditated and planned rape of a child.

“I would like to pay tribute to the girl for her bravery throughout the investigation. I hope this sentencing brings some form of closure to her and her family.”